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Paulo Nazareth's 'Algebra' Opens at Punta della Dogana Without the Artist

exhibition · 2026-05-05

The exhibition 'Algebra' by Paulo Nazareth debuted at Punta della Dogana in Venice, but the artist was absent, choosing to traverse African lands on foot before entering Europe, as was customary prior to the 1885 Berlin Conference. Simultaneously, he organized an event in Veneza, Ribeirão das Neves, Brazil, reminiscent of his protest at the 2013 Venice Biennale. Featured works include the video diptych 'Antropologia do Negro I and II,' which showcases skulls from victims of the Colônia de Barbacena psychiatric hospital, including his grandmother, Nazareth Cassiano de Jesus. The exhibit also presents a salt trail resembling a slave ship, 'Cadernos de Africa' with offering posters, 'Products of Genocide' containing colonial items, and 'For Sale' photographs. Curator Fernanda Brenner's essay highlights Nazareth's complex identity as both product and vendor. The exhibition is open until November 22, 2026.

Key facts

  • Paulo Nazareth did not attend his own exhibition 'Algebra' at Punta della Dogana, Venice.
  • He refuses to set foot in Europe until he crosses African territories on foot as before the 1885 Berlin Conference.
  • He staged a concurrent event in Veneza, a district of Ribeirão das Neves, Brazil.
  • The title 'Algebra' refers to the Arabic meaning 'recomposition of broken parts.'
  • The video 'Antropologia do Negro I and II' features skulls from the Museu da Polícia Militar da Bahia.
  • Nazareth's grandmother, Nazareth Cassiano de Jesus, died in the Colônia de Barbacena psychiatric hospital.
  • A salt trail on the second floor traces the outline of a slave ship (tumbeiro).
  • The series 'Products of Genocide' encases colonial-themed consumer goods in resin.
  • The series 'For Sale' shows the artist with 'for sale' signs in multiple languages.
  • Curator Fernanda Brenner wrote the catalog essay published by Marsilio.
  • The exhibition runs until November 22, 2026.

Entities

Artists

  • Paulo Nazareth
  • Fernanda Brenner

Institutions

  • Punta della Dogana
  • Pinault Collection
  • Museu da Polícia Militar da Bahia
  • Colônia de Barbacena
  • Marsilio

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Ribeirão das Neves
  • Brazil
  • Veneza
  • Salvador
  • Bahia
  • Barbacena
  • Governador Valadares

Sources